Community First Credit Union hosts Japanese bankers

SANTA ROSA, Calif. - A cultural bridge was recently built when Community First Credit Union hosted a group of Japanese Shinkin Bank executives representing Kinki Chiku Shinyo Kinko financial. Shinkin Banks are cooperative financial institutions that function similarly to American credit unions and mutual savings banks. There are approximately 400 Shinkin Banks in Japan and executives hoped a visit to an American credit union would help generate new ideas for growth and communication. Based on prior positive experiences, PeopleLink of Petaluma, a non-profit organization that arranges student and business cultural exchanges, did not hesitate to contact Community First CU. "As soon as we heard a group from Japan wanted to visit a credit union in the Sonoma area we knew we wanted to work with Community First CU," said Megan Beauvais, marketing specialist. "They have always been very responsive and eager to participate in our programs." During the group's only visit to a financial institution in California, they were given a tour of Community First CU's main branch facilities and the administrative and executive offices. Community First CU President/CEO Edward C. Laski gave a presentation on credit union philosophy and the history of the credit union movement, the development of Community First CU and an overview of its operations. During a question and answer session, the members of the Kansai Association of Shinkin Banks were primarily interested in what challenges the credit union faced in the marketplace and how the credit union's interoffice communication functioned. According to Stacey Rawson, vice president of marketing, more similarities than differences were revealed in business practices and operational procedures. Both financial institutions place an emphasis on the constant training and education of staff. One subtle cultural difference noted was the Japanese office workspace, which is more open - but does not include displays of staff's personal items. "The whole experience was really wonderful and mutually beneficial," said Rawson. "Not only does it help us realize how small the world really is, but it helped us both expand our way of doing business." To show their appreciation, the group presented Laski with a traditional Japanese fan, which will be placed on display in the main branch. Community First CU presented the group with a basket full of Sonoma County specialties including a Snoopy key chain, fudge, jam, coffee and of course wine. Community First CU has $81.7 million in assets and serves 11,902 members. -mbourjolly@cutimes.com